In The Region
Cambodia
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Indonesia
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Malaysia
Italian Fried Chicken Franchise Opens First Outlet in Malaysia
Chicken N Chicken, an Italian quick service brand, has opened its first Southeast Asian outlet in Sepang, Malaysia. The chain is known for blending South Asian flavors into Western comfort food, with menu offerings such as Tikka Chicken Strips, Chicken Kebab Wraps and Naan Bread Chicken Sandwiches. The franchise gained recognition throughout Europe for its commitment to being a 100% halal eatery, and will be maintaining this status with all outlets worldwide.
Government Approves Sale of Low-Cost “Special Grade” Eggs
To address concerns regarding affordability and food security since phasing out egg subsidies for farmers and households, the Malaysian government has approved the sale of low-cost “Special Grade” eggs, targeting lower- and middle-income consumers. Foreigners will be allowed to purchase the eggs and they come at no cost to the government since they are not subsidized, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Malaysian eggs are graded according to weight, with Grade A eggs weighing the most at over 65g and Grade F eggs weighing the least at no more than 44.9g. Industry associates have evaluated these Special Grade eggs to fall around the D (50-54.9g) and E (45-49.9g) grade range.
Myanmar
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Philippines
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Singapore
Culinary Training School Receives Fresh New Facilities
After four years of renovations, the Temasek Culinary Academy located in Temasek Polytechnic has finalized its facility upgrades. The improved facilities include kitchen upgrades for the two student staffed restaurants, five new specialized kitchens for different cuisines and culinary themes, the first chocolate studio located in a polytechnic, and a fresh herb garden intended to supply up to 50% of the polytechnic’s greens.
Opening of a New AI-Integrated Hawker Center
The Punggol Coast Hawker Center officially opened on July 25, 2025. Located in the Punggol Digital District, the 576-seat food court utilizes smart surveillance infrastructure with integrated AI video analytics to provide diners and operators real-time insights such as foot traffic mapping, queue management and customer patterns. 40 food stalls have launched in the new hawker center, from resurrected former-classics such as South Buona Vista Braised Duck to Michelin-Recommended features like Hock Hai Curry Chicken.
Thailand
Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand Closes Down After Two Years Due to Contract Termination
Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand, the first Lenôtre cooking school outside of France has shut down after just two years of operation since January 2023 after Bangkok Land terminated its contract with the institution. CEO Paul Kanjanapas of Bangkok Land cited misalignment with business plans. Bangkok Land had envisioned leveraging the Lenôtre brand to conduct short one- to two-day courses and provide business consultancy services for the food industry, while Lenôtre insisted on providing only professional-level education. Bangkok Land has confirmed that it will conduct its plans under a new brand while retaining all chefs and incorporating them into the upcoming venture.
SIG Group Expands “Cartons for Good” Initiative to Thailand
Swiss packaging company SIG Group has expanded its “Cartons for Good” initiative to Thailand. In collaboration with Ampol Food and Mahidol University, the Cartons for Good program has begun collecting, preserving and packaging surplus mangoes and longkong fruits, turning them into soft, nutrient-rich puddings for seniors and others below the poverty line. Originally piloted in Bangladesh, offerings in the Cartons for Good program vary based one which commodity has a local surplus.
Vietnam
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